Joshua 5:13-15

Joshua 5:13-15

English Standard Version 

  Whenever we think of angels, we often think of soft and cuddly cherubs that flit around from cloud to cloud.

  However, in the Bible, whenever an angel appears, their first words are often to tell people not to be afraid, for they are raw power and intimidation.  Here, Joshua meets the commander of the army of the Lord, and he falls down and worships him.  He also makes the mistake of assuming that such a figure would pick a side in a battle, but Joshua is thinking too small.  Joshua, like me, cannot wrap my head around such a figure -- for he enters in from outside of our time and space.  He is other.

  Thanks be to God that God chooses to use such power for our favor.  We who are disobedient could be cut down by such figures.  Think about it -- if this is a commander in the army, how much power does Jesus have?  How intimidating is that?  But Jesus lays down such power.  Jesus chooses to stay on the cross, despite the temptation and ability to descend from the cross and strike down those who believed they had power over God.  

  Jesus opts to use power to liberate and deliver.  What a gift!  May we rightly worship the God who chooses to love us so.

  

Joshua 4:1-7

Joshua 4:1-7 

English Standard Version 

  What are the stones in your life?  What do you have to mark your journeys, to tell the stories of what God has done, to share it with others in your community?  Our stories are vital, and they are good news -- they are worth preserving.  We all take a different approach to how we share and tell our stories, but it is vital that we do so -- because in each and every one of us, God has been at work building something amazing, a palace where God wants to dwell.  May we treasure that and take seriously the charge to tell our story to the world, that all may come to worship God and be in awe of how God is at work.

Joshua 3:14-17

Joshua 3:14-17 

English Standard Version 

  We don't pay much attention to the second miraculous crossing, but the people started their journey with a miraculous escape through the sea in their flight from the Egyptians, and they cross into the Promised Land with yet another miraculous crossing.  The Lord halts the flow of the river Jordan so that the people can cross over.  

  This is the same river where Jesus will be baptized many years from now.  The people are crossing the river, and that river will continue to define the community.  

  A lot happened to the people in the 40 years between miraculous crossings, and much more will happen in the years between this crossing and Jesus' baptism. 

  All of us are in different stages of our journeys.  Some of us are wandering in the wilderness, some are knee-deep in the river, some are simply trying to hold on.  Wherever we find ourselves, however, may we have confidence that every step leads to this place, to Jesus' ministry, to his life, death, and resurrection.  It's all linked, and inescapable, and we are forever staring into the beautiful mystery of the incarcation!

Psalm 17:6-7

Psalm 17:6-7 

New International Version 

  If you were in trouble, who would you consider it within your right to be able to call for help?  

  If you were in another country, you could call on the embassy or ambassador, and as an American citizen, you'd expect the leaders to provide assistance to your case.  If you had trouble at work, your boss ought to be able to be relied upon to help you out.  Parents or family members are often relied upon when you need help.  Members of a congregation ought to do what they can to help one another.

  When I stop and think about it, I haven't done nearly enough in my life to deserve to be able to call upon the creator of the universe when I am in distress.  How does one appropriately honor the one who dresses Saturn with its rings?  Have I really lived like I owe everything to the God who designed both the sun and a T-Rex?  Do I pour out gratitude with every waking breath?  Or do I get so concerned with my reputation that I think I'm the center of the universe?

  And yet, despite my shortcomings, I am able to call upon God in my distress, and God hears my cry and comes to my aid.  

  Such love is beyond what I can imagine, and yet it is real, pouring into my heart in every moment.

  May we take some time to fully appreciate such miracles today.